Dental care isn’t just important for adults and taking care of your children’s teeth now can help prevent significant problems later in life. However, when it comes to kids dental care, there is more you know aside from brushing and flossing.
Eating too many sweets and starchy foods can increase the amount of acid in the mouth, which can lead to eroding enamel. This is because the sugars in these foods turn to acid when they interact with saliva, and the longer they are allowed to stay on the teeth, the more damage they can do. While these foods are okay once in a while, you should try to replace them with more fruits and vegetables when possible.
Sugary sodas such as juice and soda can also damage children’s teeth, and they should be limited when possible. Instead, you should try to incorporate more water throughout the day to ensure your child stays hydrated and to help flush bacteria from the mouth. Water can help rinse away acids and prevent them from building up on teeth. Water with added fluoride can be especially helpful.
Sealants can reduce the risk of molar cavities by up to 80%, which can have important benefits for children. In 2016, the CDC released a report in which they found that 43% of children, ages 6 to 11, had almost three times more cavities without sealants. Sealants can last for several years before needing to be reapplied, and your child’s dentist will check how the sealants are holding up during each visit.
When it comes to kids dental care, one of the most important things you can do is ensure that they see their dentists regularly. While they may not think that it’s fun, it can be essential for helping them maintain healthy teeth, even into adulthood. Regular dentist visits can also help detect potential issues, such as abnormal bite patterns or misaligned teeth, which can be much easier to correct while they are still developing, rather than later in life when the problem has worsened.
If you are concerned about your kids dental care, consider booking an appointment with your family dentist for a checkup, especially if it’s been a while since their last visit. Although their teeth may appear fine now, cavities, particularly in the molars, can be difficult to detect on your own until they start causing pain. Seeing your dentist is the best way to protect against these issues and give your child a healthier mouth overall.
